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A Systematic Review of Residential Care for Children and Young People with Disabilities: Towards the Development of Quality Indicators

Author

Listed:
  • Sílvia Alves

    (Polytechnic of Porto, ESE)

  • Mariana Lucas Casanova

    (Polytechnic of Porto, ESE)

  • Manuela Sanches-Ferreira

    (Polytechnic of Porto, ESE)

  • Sérgio Costa Araújo

    (Polytechnic of Porto, ESE)

  • Luiza Nobre Lima

    (University of Coimbra (UC))

  • Clara Cruz Santos

    (University of Coimbra, CEIS20, Observatory of Citizenship and Social Intervention (UC), Lusíada Research Center on Social Work and Social Intervention)

Abstract

Considering data that suggests an overrepresentation of children/youth with disabilities in Residential Care Homes (RCH), placing them in a situation of accumulation of risk factors and increased vulnerability, this study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) focused on this target group. Research questions address prevalence rates, characteristics and outcomes of children/youth with disabilities in RCH; characteristics and practices of RCH, and evidence-based interventions; and recommendations to improve practices to support the development of quality indicators to improve the experience of children and young people with disabilities in RCH. Methodology followed PRISMA-P and the protocol was registered with PROSPERO. Five databases were used and 31 studies were included. Results demonstrate the need for clear definitions of disability to ensure consistent data and guide policymaking for RCH. Moreover, results show gaps in research on the experiences of children/youth with disabilities in RCH, and on specific interventions for this population. Based on the recommendations offered by the literature, this SLR contributes to the development of quality indicators that consider the needs of children/youth with disabilities in RCH and promote their participation in all areas of life.

Suggested Citation

  • Sílvia Alves & Mariana Lucas Casanova & Manuela Sanches-Ferreira & Sérgio Costa Araújo & Luiza Nobre Lima & Clara Cruz Santos, 2025. "A Systematic Review of Residential Care for Children and Young People with Disabilities: Towards the Development of Quality Indicators," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 18(1), pages 241-271, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:chinre:v:18:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s12187-024-10187-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s12187-024-10187-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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